Diatomaceous Earth is one of several solutions for getting rid of bedbugs. How to use it and which one to choose to neutralise these unwanted insects? How effective is this treatment?
What is Diatomaceous Earth and which one to use against bedbugs?
Diatomaceous Earth, also known as silica dioxide, is made up of crushed fossils of microscopic, very sharp marine algae. It takes the form of a whitish, beige or grey powder.
Diatoms come in different forms. To combat bedbugs, we recommend the use of Diatomaceous Earth, also known as non-calcined Diatomaceous Earth or amorphous Diatomaceous Earth. For maximum efficiency, opt for amorphous Diatomaceous Earth with a minimum silica dioxide content of 7.2%. When buying, ask a professional in the insecticide department for advice to make sure you’re using the best bedbug treatment.
Calcined Diatomaceous Earth is not recommended, as it is heated to over 800°C and is much more toxic than amorphous Diatomaceous Earth. Calcined Diatomaceous Earth is for industrial and professional use only. Make sure you know the difference between the different products so you can use the most suitable one against bedbugs, while limiting the risks to your health.
How does Diatomaceous Earth work against bedbugs?
Diatomaceous Earth eliminates bedbugs by dehydrating them thanks to its absorbent properties. This method therefore takes time. Bedbugs slowly dry out and die after 9 to 15 days. In fact, the particles of Diatomaceous Earth stick to the insect’s shell, eventually neutralising it.
Diatomaceous Earth does not destroy bedbug eggs. Consequently, we recommend leaving Diatomaceous Earth on for 15 days (egg hatching time) to ensure that the insect is eradicated at all the stages of its development.
À lire aussi : Les 7 choses que détestent les punaises de lit.
Where can I buy Diatomaceous Earth for bedbug control and is it economical?
Diatomaceous Earth can be found in all DIY stores, in the insecticide, chemical and repellent sections, in drugstores and online at Amazon, for example. Always seek the advice of an expert before purchasing your products, who will advise you on the use of insecticides according to the stage of infestation, on the different brands and on the precautions to be taken when using the products.
In terms of price, Diatomaceous Earth is an economical solution compared with other chemical insecticide treatments or the services of a pest control company. For just a few pounds, you can obtain a bag of Diatomaceous Earth and treat a large area. Diatomaceous Earth aerosol spray is a little more expensive, but indispensable for use in bedbug hiding places, e.g. skirting boards and other dark spaces.
How to use Diatomaceous Earth against bedbugs?
Diatomaceous Earth can be used in a number of ways
Pour désinsectiser les vêtements et textiles : celle-ci peut être saupoudrée dans un sac plastique contenant le linge à traiter. Laissez agir l’insecticide pendant 14 jours pour être sûr de tuer l’ensemble des punaises de lit aux différents stades de leur vie. Néanmoins, nous conseillons de privilégier le nettoyage vapeur ou le nettoyage directement en machine à laver pour un traitement plus simple et plus rapide de votre linge.
Dans les pièges : versez un peu de Terre de Diatomée à l’intérieur de vos pièges anti-punaises de lit (pièges maison ou pièges professionnels), vous vous assurez ainsi de bloquer les nuisibles à l’intérieur et par la même occasion de les tuer. Posez vos pièges dans les endroits stratégiques de la pièce pour une meilleure protection, notamment autour du matelas.
Sous forme d’aérosol : idéal pour traiter les moindres interstices, la Terre de Diatomée en spray aérosol avec canule permet de pulvériser de façon précise chaque recoin de la pièce (plinthes, fissures de mur, parquet…). Le traitement doit être renouvelé régulièrement pour une efficacité optimale, environ toutes les semaines. Le produit sèche au bout de 20 à 30 secondes et est facile d’utilisation. A notre avis, la Terre de Diatomée en spray aérosol est la solution la plus appropriée pour tuer les punaises de lit.
Pour protéger un espace : la Terre de Diatomée en poudre peut faire office de barrage aux insectes. Saupoudrez autour des pieds de lit ou du sommier, un peu de Terre de Diatomée pour éviter que les puces de lit grimpent sur le matelas. Aspirez chaque jour et renouvelez l’opération.
Application of Diatomaceous Earth
Although manufacturers claim that Diatomaceous Earth is safe and natural, we strongly recommend wearing a mask, goggles and gloves when applying the product to avoid any risk of inhalation.
To maximise the chances of bedbug eradication, diatomaceous earth powder must be applied meticulously. Apply to clean surfaces so that the powder adheres effectively. Repeat the operation every day after vacuuming (ideally with a bag vacuum cleaner so you can dispose of the infested bag) to eliminate as many eggs and larvae as possible.
Finally, we don’t recommend using Diatomaceous Earth powder directly on mattresses, pillows or sheets, because even if it’s amorphous, it still contains crystalline silica, which presents a significant inhalation risk for the sleeper.
Effectiveness of Diatomaceous Earth against bedbugs: our opinion
Diatomaceous earth is a natural product that can be effective against bedbugs, provided it is used properly. This treatment can be used to control all types of insects: ants, fleas, bedbugs, cockroaches and dust mites.
Diatomaceous Earth can act as a preventive as well as a curative product, but it’s important to remember that this solution is a slow killer of bedbugs. Diatomaceous Earth may be sufficient in the early stages of infestation, but used as a single treatment, it may not be enough to get rid of all the pests.
On the other hand, as it comes in powder form, it can lose its effectiveness in humid environments, in areas of high humidity or during rainy seasons.
Here’s a list of all the treatments available to combat bedbugs.
Is Diatomaceous Earth safe for humans?
Although Diatomaceous Earth is of plant origin, it contains crystalline silica. Non-calcined Diatomaceous Earth, i.e. the kind used against bedbugs, must contain 2% or less crystalline silica.
According to scientific studies, there is a link between the concentration of toxic silica and the risk of silicosis or pulmonary fibrosis. Consequently, we recommend that you be careful before using Diatomaceous Earth, whether for your own health or that of your pets. In fact, it is recommended not to let animals come into contact with treated areas, as they could ingest or inhale the Diatomaceous Earth.
Natural and practical Sereni-d solution
Sereni-d a mis au point l’aérosol Terre de Diatomée qui permet d’éliminer et prévenir 100% des punaises de lit (œufs, larves, adultes) pour une protection immédiate, sûre et longue durée (jusqu’à 3 semaines d’efficacité).
Ce traitement à base de terre de diatomée, composé de fossiles d’algues microscopiques, assure la destruction des punaises de lit à tous les stades de développement grâce à un effet rasoir et une action dessicante. L’aérosol adhère aux surfaces et n’est pas volatile comme la poudre pure à disperser que l’on trouve habituellement dans les commerces. Sa canule de précision permet une application localisée.
L’aérosol TERRE de DIATOMEE peut être utilisé en prévention en tant que barrière, ou en traitement d’une infestation de punaises de lit. Il est à utiliser en complément des traitements punaises de lit SOS et FREEZE.
